This Is Why

Labour's Angela Rayner speaks to Sky News’ political editor Beth Rigby in an extended interview for the Daily podcast.The party’s deputy leader says that she believes Diane Abbott should be able to stand as an MP - and she denied leader Sir Keir Starmer was acting "in a factional way".On the first official day of campaigning, she also spoke about the investigations into her living arrangements - and revealed the details of her campaign battle bus.Producer: Soila Apparicio Promotions Producer: David Chipakupaku Editor: Paul Stanworth

It's been 30 years since Nelson Mandela led the African National Congress (ANC) to power, ending apartheid in South Africa. But as voters head to the polls, the party is on the verge of losing dominance, after coming under fire over corruption, high levels of crime and economic woes. Even in the birthplace of the late human rights fighter, communities are suffering from poverty, hunger and no running water. On the Sky News Daily, Mark Austin speaks to Sky’s Africa correspondent Yousra Elbagir about the decline of Mandela’s legacy, the party’s decreasing popularity and what happens if they lose power. 👉 Listen above then tap here to follow the Sky News Daily wherever you get your podcasts 👈 Producers: Emma Rae Woodhouse Editor: Paul Stanworth

In her first major campaign speech, Rachel Reeves has pitched herself as the UK's next chancellor to an audience of company bosses, promising the "most pro-growth Treasury in our country's history" if Labour wins the election. But after pledging not to announce any new tax hikes and that Labour policies would be fully funded and costed, how she intends to pay for Labour's plan for the UK remains unclear. Today on the Sky News Daily, Sophy Ridge speaks with our deputy political editor Sam Coates to discuss the woman hoping to be in charge of the public finances, and whether Labour will be able to please workers and businesses while delivering on a promise of "economic stability" at the same time. Producer: Emma Rae Woodhouse Podcast Promotions Producer: David Chipakupaku Editor: Philly Beaumont

After avoiding public scrutiny for nearly a decade, Paula Vennells, the former Post Office boss, finally faced questions about her role in the most widespread miscarriage of justice that Britain has ever seen.She has been giving evidence at the Post Office Horizon Inquiry for the last three days – and today she was accused by lawyers of talking "rubbish" and being in "la la land".Sky's Jonathan Samuels spoke to Sky's business correspondent Paul Kelso who's been at the Post Office Inquiry for us.Plus, a record number of Conservative MPs have now said they are not standing in July's general election. Political correspondent Rob Powell talks to Jonathan about that and all the other latest news from the election campaigns. Producers: Emma Rae Woodhouse Promotions Producer: Jada-Kai Meosa John Editor: Wendy Parker

The political parties have been setting out their election campaigns, with voters going to the polls exactly six weeks from today. On the Sky News Daily Niall Paterson speaks to deputy political editor Sam Coates who is following the prime minister on his campaign trail around the UK, visiting four nations in two days. He also chats with chief political correspondent Jon Craig about the launch of Labour's campaign in Kent. Plus, Sky's online campaign correspondent Tom Cheshire tells Niall why the parties are spending big money online and whether it could affect the election outcome. Producers: Soila Apparicio, Emma Rae Woodhouse Promotions Producer: Jada-Kai Meosa John Editor: Wendy Parker

The prime minister has called a general election for 4 July. It means parliament only has a few days to pass any bills still waiting to become law before MPs leave Westminster to begin campaigning. On the Sky News Daily Niall Paterson gets the very latest from our deputy political editor Sam Coates and political correspondent Tamara Cohen on why the election was announced today, and what the next six weeks of campaigning could have in store. Producers: Rosie Gillott Podcast Promotions Producer: David Chipakupaku Editor: Philly Beaumont

The former Post Office boss, Paula Vennells, has been testifying at the Inquiry examining the Horizon IT scandal.It's the first time Paula Vennells has spoken publicly in nearly ten years.The hundreds of wronged Post Office workers, and their families, have been keenly anticipating her evidence, as, on her watch, prosecutions continued, despite mounting evidence that there was something wrong with the system.On the Sky News Daily, Sarah-Jane Mee has been in Fenny Compton, in the village hall where Alan Bates began his campaign against the Post Office, to meet the sub-postmasters whose lives were ruined by Horizon.Plus, one former sub-postmistress, Nicole, shares her story for the first time.Producers: Emma Rae Woodhouse, Soila ApparicioEditor: Wendy ParkerPodcast Promotion: Jada-Kai Meosa John

How do we help people keep their jobs and livelihoods alongside the pressure to move to an environmentally friendly and sustainable future? It's been estimated that 1.3 million jobs in the UK could be affected by the drive to get to net zero emissions - many in traditional industries such as steelmaking. Sophy Ridge presents this episode with Sky News' people and politics correspondent Nick Martin whose reporting has been focusing on Port Talbot in south Wales where thousands are employed in the steel industry. Plus, following severe turbulence on a London to Singapore flight where one passenger, a 73-year-old British man died, "likely from a heart attack" and more than two dozen injured, Sophy speaks to pilot and aviation consultant Tim Atkinson about how commercial pilots plan for, and deal with, turbulence. Producer: Emma Rae Woodhouse Editor: Paul Stanworth

The infected blood scandal was "not an accident" and its failures lie with "successive governments, the NHS, and blood services", a public inquiry has found. More than 30,000 people were infected with HIV and hepatitis C from 1970 to 1991 after being given contaminated blood products and transfusions - about 3,000 of whom have since died.Sir Brian Langstaff, who chaired the inquiry, said the scale of what happened was "horrifying". On the Sky News Daily, Matt Barbet talks to Sky's health correspondent Ashish Joshi about the report and Rosamund Cooper who was given blood products contaminated with Hepatitis C. Producer: Soila Apparicio Editor: Philly Beaumont

Thousands of people died after being given infected blood transfusions by the NHS. They were people with haemophilia, women giving birth, and cancer patients who died after contracting HIV or Hepatitis C from infected blood. An inquiry has been studying millions of pages of evidence from hundreds of sources and witnesses for six years. From its source in the early 1970s via warnings, missed opportunities, delays and perhaps even deliberate cover ups, this episode of the Sky News Daily explores the story behind the worst treatment scandal in NHS history. Niall Paterson is joined by Sky's science and technology editor Tom Clarke in preparation for the final report from the inquiry - due to be published on Monday. Producer: Emma Rae Woodhouse Editor: Wendy Parker

China's Xi Jinping and Russia’s Vladimir Putin have met in Beijing – promoting their alliance and their new ‘world order’ away from the West. On the Sky News Daily, Niall Paterson is joined by Sky’s Asia correspondent Nicole Johnston in Beijing and Sky’s Moscow correspondent Ivor Bennett to discuss the highlights of the summit so far.Plus, Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer made a key speech to lay out six pledges ahead of his election campaign. Sky’s deputy political editor Sam Coates joins Niall to unpick the key moments. Producer: Soila ApparicioEditor: Paul Stanworth

Hundreds of young men have died trying to use boats to get from Senegal to the Canary Islands. On this episode of the Sky News Daily, Niall Paterson hears about what's been called the "deadliest and busiest migrant passage in the world". Niall is joined by our Africa correspondent Yousra Elbagir who has been to the fishing town of Mbour on the Senegalese coast to see the scale of the problem. Plus, in the UK, our communities correspondent Becky Johnson has been speaking to asylum seekers who say they're considering not attending appointments which are a condition of their immigration bail. It comes as the Home Office tries to trace thousands of missing asylum seekers, with a view to deporting some of them to Rwanda in a bid to deter illegal small boat Channel crossings. Producer: Emma Rae Woodhouse Podcast promotions producer: David Chipakupaku Editor: Paul Stanworth

Anti-obesity jabs like Ozempic could reduce the risk of heart attacks, strokes or heart failure in obese people regardless of the amount of weight they lose while on the drug. Researchers found after three years of treatment participants had a 20% lower risk of obesity and its associated health impacts, which currently cost the NHS over £6bn per year. On the Sky News Daily, Niall Paterson speaks to Sky’s science and medical correspondent Thomas Moore about the implications of reducing heart disease cases for the NHS, and senior lecturer in physiology at Anglia Ruskin University Dr Simon Cork explains how the wonder-drug actually works. Producer: Emma Rae Woodhouse Podcast Promotions Producer: David Chipakupaku Editor: Philly Beaumont

A landmark parliamentary inquiry into traumatic childbirths has called for an overhaul of the UK's maternity services after finding poor care is "all-too-frequently tolerated as normal". The report calls for a new maternity commissioner who will report to the prime minister, better staffing levels on maternity wards, and for mothers to be listened to more. On the Sky News Daily, Matt Barbet speaks to campaigner and mother-of-two Tinuke Awe about her experiences of giving birth and is joined by Sky correspondent Laura Bundock to find out what the government plans to do to address the issues raised in the report. Producer: Rosie Gillott Podcast Promotions Producer: Jada-Kai Meosa John Interviews Producer: Melissa Tutesigensi-Charles Editor: Wendy Parker

Across the UK anger is brewing among farmers. Protests have already been held in London, Dover and Wales, with more on the way - mirroring similar tensions seen across Europe in the last six months. Their anger is focused on cheap foreign imports and changes to subsidies forcing farmers to give up land in favour of environmental schemes. But what does this mean for the food on our table - and is British produce now a luxury product for the wealthy only? On the Sky News Daily, Niall Paterson is joined by West of England and Wales correspondent Dan Whitehead to find out why farmers are so concerned, and speaks to Liz Webster, the founder of Save British Farming, about why she believes eating British isn't just good for our farmers - it's good for the nation's health, too. In response to our report, Farming Minister Mark Spencer, said:“We firmly back our farmers. British farming is at the heart of British trade, and we put agriculture at the forefront of any deals we negotiate, prioritising new export opportunities, protecting UK food standards and removing market access barriers.“We’ve maintained the £2.4 billion annual farming budget and recently set out the biggest ever package of grants which supports farmers to produce food profitably and sustainably.”The Welsh government said: “A successful future for Welsh farming should combine the best of our traditional farming alongside cutting-edge innovation and diversification. It will produce the very best of Welsh food to the highest standards, while safeguarding our precious environment and addressing the urgent call of the climate and nature emergencies.” Producer: Emma Rae Woodhouse Podcast Promotions Producer: David Chipakupaku Editor: Paul Stanworth

On this episode, Niall speaks to one of the doctors who worked to restore the hearing of an 18-month-old girl – who was born deaf. Medics at Addenbrooke’s Hospital in Cambridge have used gene therapy to help a rare condition, auditory neuropathy. It’s caused by the disruption of nerve impulses travelling from the inner ear to the brain. Opal Sandy can now respond to her parents’ voices and can communicate words such as “Dada” and “bye-bye”. Plus, Natalie Elphicke, the MP who defected from the Conservatives to Labour yesterday, apologises for comments she made after her ex-husband, and predecessor as MP for Dover, was convicted of sexual assault in 2020. She said at the time that being "attractive" and "attracted to women" had made him an "easy target". Niall talks to deputy political editor Sam Coates about the disquiet within Labour about Mrs Elphicke’s arrival. Producer: Emma Rae Woodhouse Editor: Paul Stanworth

The UK media regulator has set out new rules for social media companies designed to keep children safe online. The new Ofcom rules include age verification and reformulating algorithms to keep children away from "toxic" content. But parents whose children have died as a result of exposure to harmful content have called the rules an "insult". On the Sky News Daily Niall Paterson is joined by technology correspondent at the Financial Times Cristina Criddle to discuss what the measures are and how they can be delivered. Niall is also joined by John Carr, who is on the government's principal advisory body for online safety and security for children, to discuss the challenges of enforcing the rules and if they go far enough to protect children. Producers: Soila Apparicio, Emma Rae Woodhouse Promotions producer: David Chipakupaku Editor: Paul Stanworth

The Israeli Defense Force says it has taken 'operational control' of the Gaza side of the Rafah crossing, the main entry point for aid into the region. It comes less than 24 hours after Hamas said they would accept a ceasefire deal drawn up by Egyptian mediators. On the Sky News Daily, Niall Paterson talks to our international affairs editor Dominic Waghorn to explore why Israel rejected the deal, saying it fell "far from meeting" its "core demands", and Aaron David Miller, senior fellow at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace and former Middle East negotiator under Republican and Democratic US administrations. Producer: Rosie Gillott Senior Producer: Annie Joyce Podcast Promotions Producer: David Chipakupaku Editor: Philly Beaumont

Labour are celebrating big wins in the Blackpool South by-election, in the local elections and in most of the mayoral races that have declared so far. The Conservatives could lose up to 500 councillors, though their candidate Ben Houchen did hold on to his role as mayor of Tees Valley. A win which gave the prime minister something to be pleased about and will probably help him keep his job for now. But are these grim results for the Tories enough to see Labour winning the next election? Sky News's projection is that it won't be. They will be the largest party but short of an overall majority. On the Sky News Daily Niall Paterson talks to Professor Michael Thrasher who carried out the analysis and Sky's deputy political editor Sam Coates on what signals we can take from these results. Producer: Emma Rae Woodhouse Podcast Promotions Producer: Jada-Kai Meosa John Editor: Wendy Parker

Thousands of fans have been left frustrated after Manchester’s newest venue delayed its launch again after a string of technical problems.The Co-op Live arena will be the UK’s largest indoor arena accommodating 23,500 people at a cost of £365m - but it’s yet to officially open its doors, cancelling tours from Peter Kay, Boogie Wit Da Hoodie and Olivia Rodrigo. On the Sky News Daily Niall Paterson speaks to Sky’s chief North of England correspondent Greg Milam to find out what is behind the delays as well as Pauline Forster, landlady at a gig venue, which has launched several celebrity careers. They discuss the realities and costs of running a small gig venue and why such spaces are important. Also on the podcast, Niall gets the latest from the university protests in the US, where riot police have been firing rubber bullets at protesters refusing to disperse from campus. Sky’s US correspondent Martha Kelner shares her eyewitness account from University of California. Producers: Rosie Gillott and Emma Rae Woodhouse Podcast Promotions Producer: David Chipakupaku Editor: Paul Stanworth

Violent protests over the Israel-Hamas war have reached boiling point across university campuses in the United States.Pro-Palestinian protesters are demanding their universities cut ties with Israel or any companies that support its ongoing war in Gaza.On the Sky News Daily, Niall Paterson gets eyewitness analysis from US correspondent Mark Stone in George Washington University. They discuss the arrests, tear gas and counter-protest violence that is taking over universities. Plus, Lauren Lassabe Shepherd, a historian at the University of New Orleans and author of ‘Resistance from the Right: Conservatives and the Campus Wars’, looks at how these protests compare to others the US has seen and analyses if the action could lead to change. Producer: Soila Apparicio and Emma Rae WoodhouseEditor: Philly Beaumont

The King has returned to official public duties for the first time since being diagnosed with cancer. Alongside the Queen, he visited a cancer treatment centre to meet staff and patients as part of his new role as patron of Cancer Research UK.Sources have stressed that despite his return to public engagements, the King still has cancer and will continue to be treated for the undisclosed form of the disease.On the Sky News Daily, Niall Paterson is joined by Sky’s royal correspondent Rhiannon Mills and NBC royal commentator Daisy McAndrew to discuss how the Palace has managed this turbulent period and how it has been received on both sides of the Atlantic. Producer: Emma Rae Woodhouse and Rosie GillottPodcast Promotions Producer: David Chipakupaku Editor: Philly Beaumont

Scotland's First Minister Humza Yousaf has resigned – days after he cut the SNP's power-sharing deal with the Scottish Greens. It followed a bitter row over the SNP's climbdown on climate targets as he said the agreement between the parties had "served its purpose". As a result, his former Green allies teamed up with the Conservatives, Labour and Liberal Democrats to get behind two no-confidence motions, one in himself as leader of Scotland and another regarding the entire Scottish government. Now – attention turns to another SNP leadership contest and what the divisions in Scottish politics could mean for the future of the independence campaign. On the Sky News Daily, Matt Barbet speaks to Paul Hutcheon, political editor of the Daily Record, and Shona Craven, from The National, about how the SNP can move on after Mr Yousaf's resignation. Plus, Connor Gillies, our Scotland correspondent, explains how the leadership election will unfold. Producer: Rosie Gillott Promotions producer: Jada-Kai Meosa John Editor: Philly Beaumont

The 2 May local elections will have more than 2,600 seats are at stake across 107 English councils. Labour’s Sadiq Khan and Andy Burnham are among the 10 city mayors up for re-election. Those in Blackpool South will also be voting for their next MP after ex-Tory Scott Benton broke Commons lobbying rules, triggering a by-election. With the Conservatives lagging behind Labour in the polls, the outcome will offer some insight on how voters in England and Wales feel ahead of the general election. On the Sky News Daily, Niall Paterson is joined by Sky’s deputy political editor Sam Coates to discuss why the elections are so important for the prime minister’s future and where the key political backgrounds are. Producers: Emma Rae Woodhouse and Soila Apparicio Podcast promotions producer: Iona Brunker Editor: Paul Stanworth

Labour have promised to renationalise nearly all passenger railways within their first term if they win the next election. But will it leave the railways better off? On the Sky News Daily, Niall Paterson speaks to Sky's political correspondent Sam Coates to discuss the details of Labour's plan and assess if a Great British Railway would be more efficient and cost-effective than the current privatised system. Niall also speaks to the editor of Rail magazine, Nigel Harris, to discuss the current state of our railways and what he believes needs to change. Elsewhere in politics, the Scottish government has ended its power-sharing agreement with the Greens. Sky's Scotland correspondent Connor Gillies discusses the implications of this for both parties – including a motion of no confidence in First Minister Humza Yousaf. Producers: Iona Brunker, Soila Apparicio, Emma Rae Woodhouse Editor: Paul Stanworth

Only two months ago Joe Biden joined the social media platform TikTok with a video captioned "lol hey guys". Now, the US president is poised to sign a bill that could ban the popular app - unless its parent company sells it. The country is concerned that TikTok's owner, Beijing-based tech firm ByteDance, could be forced by Chinese authorities to hand over the user data of almost 170 million American app users. On this episode, Niall Paterson unpicks the possible ban with Arthi Nachiappan, our technology correspondent. Plus, Chris Stokel-Walker, author of TikTok Boom: China's Dynamite App And The Superpower Race For Social Media, joins Niall to discuss the app's impact in the US - as well as China's influence on technology. Since recording this episode, TikTok CEO, Shou Chew said in a statement: "This unconstitutional law is a TikTok ban, and we will challenge it in court. We believe the facts and the law are clearly on our side, and we will ultimately prevail."As we continue to challenge this unconstitutional ban, we will continue investing and innovating to ensure TikTok remains a space where Americans of all walks of life can safely come to share their experiences, find joy, and be inspired."Producer: Emma Rae Woodhouse Assistant producer: Iona BrunkerPromotions producer: David Chipakupaku Editor: Paul Stanworth

After months of parliamentary ping-pong between the House of Commons and the Lords, Rishi Sunak's Rwanda Bill has passed. The prime minister called it a "landmark" law, saying that "nothing will stand in our way" of getting flights off the ground within 10 to 12 weeks. However, the scheme could face yet more hurdles, with the potential for it to be held up by challenges in court. On this episode, Matt Barbet takes stock of the bill with Adam Parsons, Sky's Europe editor in France, who has been watching migrant boats cross the English Channel even after the bill's passing. Sky's communities correspondent Becky Johnson also joins Matt to share some of the stories from those asylum seekers already in the UK and what they might expect from the Rwanda bill. And Dr Madeleine Sumption, director of the Migration Observatory at the University of Oxford, details the potential impact this new legislation might have on migration figures. Producer: Rosie Gillott Interviews producer: Melissa Tutesigensi-Charles Promotions producer: David Chipakupaku Editor: Philly Beaumont

As the first of Donald Trump's four criminal trials begins this week, will it have any effect on his chances of re-election in November? The former president faces 34 counts of falsifying business records in connection to $130,000 paid to porn star Stormy Daniels. He is accused of falsifying internal business records as part of an alleged scheme to bury stories that he thought might hurt his presidential campaign in 2016. With all eyes on the New York courtroom, Daily host Matt Barbet speaks to US correspondent James Matthews from outside the first trial Trump will face this year... plus, Washington-based pollster John Zogby explains what it could mean for his popularity amongst voters. Producer: Emma Rae Woodhouse Interviews producer: Melissa Tutesigensi-Charles Podcast Promotions Producer: David Chipakupaku Editor: Philly Beaumont

An Israeli missile has struck Iran, in response to the unprecedented missile and drone attack on Israel over the weekend by the Iranians. It seems an airfield outside of the city of Isfahan was targeted, but Tehran has played down the incident and has indicated it has no plans to retaliate. On the Sky News Daily, Niall Paterson is joined by military analyst Sean Bell to find out what exactly happened in the latest attack and what it says about Israel's and Iran's respective military strengths. Plus, Niall is also joined by Sky's international affairs editor Dominic Waghorn to analyse where this leaves tension in the Middle East. Producer: Rosie Gillott & Emma Rae Woodhouse Podcast Promotions Producer: David Chipakupaku Editor: Wendy Parker

Conservative MP Mark Menzies has been suspended from the parliamentary party in light of allegations he abused local Tory party funds to pay off "bad people". Mark Menzies strongly disputes the claims which also allege he used campaign funds to pay his personal medical bills. On the Conservatives' investigation into the claims, Defence Secretary Grant Shapps told Sky News: "There's further information that the Chief Whip I understand became familiar with yesterday and actions being swiftly taken on the basis of that further information."I think it is important to stress that the MP in question here denies the allegations and so on basis of sort of fairness and proper justice, I think it's important to mention that."On the Sky News Daily, Niall Paterson is joined by political correspondent Darren McCaffrey to analyse how Westminster will cope with another scandal. Plus, the Scottish government has come under fire for rowing back on its climate commitments. Niall speaks to science correspondent Thomas Moore about the consequences of the government missing eight out of 12 of its annual climate commitments. 👉 Listen above then tap here to follow the Sky News Daily wherever you get your podcasts 👈 Senior producer: Annie Joyce Assistant producer: Iona Brunker Podcast Promotions Producer: Jada Meosa-John Editors: Paul Stanworth

The price of everyday things - mainly food - is now rising at the lowest level since 2021. Official data shows inflation eased last month to 3.2% - down from 3.4% - but the fall was slightly less than economists expected. On the Daily, Niall Paterson looks at what's going on with inflation and what it might mean for interest rates with Sky's economics and data editor Ed Conway - who's in the US looking at the situation there. They also discuss how the UK could be importing inflation from America. Plus, Niall talks to Russ Mould, investment director at finance firm AJ Bell, about what's happening at the fashion retailer ASOS which says it's becoming "more agile" after an 18% drop in sales. Producer: Rosie Gillott Assistant Producer: Iona Brunker Podcast Promotions Producer: David Chipakupaku Editor: Paul Stanworth

'Absolutely nuts' was how former Prime Minister Boris Johnson described Rishi Sunak’s plan to gradually phase out smoking – banning anyone born since the start of 2009 from ever being able to buy cigarettes or tobacco products like vapes. Liz Truss, who was also briefly prime minister in-between the two men, is also among some critical of the proposal – which she described as 'profoundly unconservative'. Tories are being given a free vote in the Commons – allowing them to vote with their conscience, not necessarily the government. But will the policy create a smokefree generation? And what will it mean for Conservative Party ideology? Niall Paterson looks at the health implications with Alice Wiseman, vice president of The Association of Directors of Public Health, and the politics of the policy with Sky’s political editor Beth Rigby and Tory peer Lord Frost, who disagrees with the planned legislation. Producer: Emma Rae Woodhouse Podcast Promotions Producer: Iona Brunker Senior producer: Annie Joyce Editors: Philly Beaumont and Paul Stanworth

Military experts have called Iran's ariel attack on Israel on Saturday night 'ambitious' and warn it could push an already fragile region into a dangerous new phase. On the Sky News Daily, host Matt Barbet examines how Iran and Israel's 'shadow war' has moved out into the open, alongside defence and security analyst Michael Clarke. Matt is also joined by Dr Roxane Farmanfarmaian, affiliated lecturer in international relations of the Middle East at the University of Cambridge, to examine what Iran was really trying to achieve from its attack.Producer: Rosie Gillott Podcast Promotions Producer: David Chipakupaku Editor: Philly Beaumont

On Saturday night Iran launched an unprecedented drone and missile attack against Israel, which Tehran has claimed is in retaliation for an attack on the consular section of the Iranian embassy in Damascus by Israel on 1 April. Some 170 explosive drones, 120 ballistic missiles, and 30 cruise missiles were launched by Iran, according to the Israel Defence Forces (IDF), who said "99%" were intercepted. Leaders across the world have condemned the attack and stated their support for Israel’s security. However, Iran's foreign ministry said they would "not hesitate" to take "further defensive measures" to "safeguard its legitimate interests against any military aggressions". On this extra Sky News Daily episode, Rob Powell sits down with our international affairs editor Dominic Waghorn to discuss the significance and implications of Iran’s attack, and the response from Israel and its allies. Producer: Rosie Gillott Editor: Paul Stanworth

Ex-armed forces minister James Heappey has told Sky's defence and security editor Deborah Haynes the UK should consider sending its forces to Ukraine to train troops. On the Sky News Daily, host Tom Cheshire talks to her and Sky's military analyst Professor Michael Clarke about the interview with Mr Heappey, who stepped down from his role last month. They assess the bleak situation in Ukraine and why the conflict is at a critical stage. They also discuss how prepared the UK would be if it faced a war in the near future. Senior producer: Annie Joyce Editor: Wendy Parker

The death of arguably one of America’s most talked about names in the 1990s has re-ignited conversations about who OJ Simpson was and how he will be remembered. The former NFL star was tried and acquitted of the murders of his ex-wife Nicole Brown Simpson and her friend Ronald Goldman. He later spent time in jail for armed robbery and kidnap. On the Daily, Niall Paterson talks to our US correspondent James Matthews as they discuss his life and the controversies surrounding the 76-year-old, who died on Wednesday following his battle with cancer. Producers: Emma Rae Woodhouse, Rosie Gillott, Soila Apparicio Senior producer: Annie Joyce Editors: Paul Stanworth, Wendy Parker

President Biden has stated US support for Israel is 'ironclad' after reports an Iranian attack is imminent. Iran had promised to retaliate after Israel killed a top Iranian commander in Damascus, Syria, earlier this month. It has led to fears the Israel-Gaza war could escalate to a wider Middle East conflict. Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu did nothing to allay concerns when he said his forces were preparing for scenarios in other areas. On the Sky News Daily, Niall Paterson speaks to our Middle East correspondent Ali Bunkall about how ready Israel is for any attacks by Iran and what its next moves might be. Plus, retired Air Vice-Marshal Sean Bell, who is a military analyst, details Iran's military capabilities and what form an attack by Tehran might take. Producers: Soila Apparicio, Emma Rae Woodhouse Interviews producer: Melissa Tutesigensi-Charles Promotions producer: Jada-Kai Meosa John, Iona BrunkerEditor: Wendy Parker

More than 55,000 asylum seekers whose applications have been refused since 2011 may not have left the UK.The analysis of Home Office data does not include partners or children - so could be even higher.On the Daily, Niall Paterson speaks to our communities correspondent Becky Johnson about how delays in deporting failed applicants have led to some people being able to make multiple appeals.In one case, an asylum seeker has been in limbo for 18 years.Also, immigration lawyer Harjap Singh Bhangal talks about why so many appeals against deportation are successful. Producer: Emma Rae Woodhouse Assistant producer: Iona BrunkerPodcast Promotions Producer: David Chipakupaku Editor: Wendy Parker

Yemen is in the middle of a humanitarian disaster after nearly a decade of civil war between the Saudi and Western-backed government, and the Iranian-backed Houthi militia. As Sky's special correspondent Alex Crawford has found, war in Gaza is making the situation even worse for Yeminis already facing violence, starvation and disease. On this edition of the Sky News Daily, Niall Paterson is joined by Alex and Yemen-born producer Ahmed Baider to explore how Houthi attacks on shipping lanes in the Red Sea, ostensibly in support of Gaza, are preventing aid from getting into Yemen. Senior Producer: Annie Joyce Producer: Rosie GillottAssistant Producer: Iona Brunker Podcast Promotions Producer: David Chipakupaku Editor: Paul Stanworth

Labour's deputy leader Angela Rayner is facing questions about whether she paid enough tax on a house sale, almost a decade ago. She denies any wrongdoing and has been backed by the party's leader Sir Keir Starmer, with some colleagues claiming she's being "smeared". On the Sky News Daily, Mark Austin unpicks exactly what Angela Rayner is accused of and discusses if the allegations are really in the public interest with Sky's political correspondent Rob Powell. They also talk about how important Ms Rayner is to Labour's election ambitions with polling expert Scarlett Maguire. Producers: Soila Apparicio, Emma Rae Woodhouse Promotions producer: David Chipakupaku Editor: Paul Stanworth

Next week, millions of people across North America will be able to see a total solar eclipse, a once-in-a-lifetime experience for many. A total solar eclipse - where the moon moves in front of the sun - happens about every 18 months. However, it rarely takes place over land, so next week's is an incredibly rare opportunity for scientists and amateurs alike to witness the phenomenon.On the Sky News Daily, our data and forensics correspondent Tom Cheshire chats to NASA's deputy administrator and retired astronaut Pam Melroy about why solar eclipses are so important for scientists and learning more about the Earth and our nearest star.In addition, our science and medical correspondent Thomas Moore explains why eclipses happen - and why the vast majority in the UK won't be lucky enough to see it.You can watch our live coverage of the total eclipse on Monday 8th April, 7pm to 10pm, on the Sky News channel, the Sky News app or on our YouTube channel. 👉 Listen above then tap here to follow the Sky News Daily wherever you get your podcasts 👈 Producers: Rosie Gillott & Soila Apparicio Assistant producer: Iona Brunker Interviews producer: Melissa Tutesigensi-Charles Podcast Promotions Producer: David Chipakupaku Editor: Philly Beaumont

Three former Supreme Court justices have warned Prime Minister Rishi Sunak that the UK is breaching international law by continuing to arm Israel. They are among over 600 lawyers and academics who are signatories of a 17-page letter, which also urges ministers to work towards a ceasefire in Gaza and resume funding to the UNRWA aid agency. It comes as civil servants overseeing arms exports could stop work over fears they may be complicit in war crimes. On the Sky News Daily, Tom Cheshire asks Michael Mansfield KC, head of chambers at Nexus Chambers and former judge on the Russell Tribunal on Palestine, about why he has signed the letter. Plus, our political correspondent Rob Powell details the current government's arms dealing with Israel and the response to calls to stop supplying weapons. Senior producer: Annie Joyce Interviews producer: Melissa Tutesigensi-CharlesEditor: Philly Beaumont

The UK spends more than £50bn a year - 2.2% of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) - on defence, but government documents shared with Sky News show the country has no preparations for a nuclear war. In January, Defence Secretary Grant Shapps warned the country is approaching a pre-war era and that in five years' time the UK could be looking at conflicts with Russia, China, Iran and North Korea. So, is the UK ready? On the Sky News Daily, Tom Cheshire is joined by our security and defence editor Deborah Haynes, who has seen documents outlining the UK's preparedness for nuclear war, and asks former soldier and now defence policy expert, Robert Clark, what the military will need to do to prepare for war. Producer: Soila Apparicio Editor: Philly Beaumont

Aid group World Central Kitchen says seven members of its team have been killed in an Israeli strike on Gaza. The charity said the volunteers had just unloaded more than 100 tonnes of humanitarian food aid brought to Gaza by sea. The foreign nationals killed were from the UK, Australia, Poland, and a dual US-Canadian citizen. Israel Defence Forces (IDF) spokesperson Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari offered "deepest condolences" to the founder of the charity World Central Kitchen over the "tragic" deaths of its aid workers. Aid convoys attempting to reach northern Gaza have either been forced to turn back or simply not made the journey because the risk of being hit by Israeli fire was too great. How will the latest deaths affect the work of aid agencies in the Palestinian territory? On the Sky News Daily, Tom Cheshire explores what working in a 'death zone' in Gaza looks like for volunteers with Ahmed Bayram, media adviser for MENA (Middle East and North Africa) at the Norwegian Refugee Council. Plus, our Middle East correspondent Alistair Bunkall reports on whether the IDF's review of the deaths will be enough to reassure foreign governments and humanitarian organisations. Senior producer: Annie Joyce Assistant producer: Iona Brunker Interviews producer: Melissa Tutesigensi-Charles Editor: Philly Beaumont

It’s the height of lockdown, 19-year-old Ellie Williams claims on social media she's been raped and exploited by an Asian grooming gang across the north of England. Photos of her alleged injuries add to the outrage and the post goes viral - shared more than 100,000 times. Social media rumours lead to attacks on Asian men and businesses in her hometown of Barrow-in-Furness. But when she's arrested for perverting the course of justice, things really explode and there are protest rallies and claims of a cover-up. At her trial, the prosecution say she lied, faked text messages and even caused the catalogue of injuries to herself. In season 6 of StoryCast, Sky News' Jason Farrell and Liz Lane, who reported on the case at the time, return to Barrow to investigate what could have led her to make these claims and if, underneath it all, there is some other truth buried among the lies. With access to her family, police investigators and those most impacted by her allegations, we ask: Is Ellie Williams a villain - or a victim of something else? And what happened after the trial - once all the media attention died down and new allegations began to emerge? This is episode one of Unreliable Witness. For the full season, follow Unreliable Witness wherever you get your podcasts.

The amount of raw sewage being spilled into England’s waterways has hit a record high – more than doubling since last year. Water companies are allowed to do this, but only in exceptional circumstances to prevent sewage washing back up into our homes. But, there’s growing evidence sewage is being routinely dumped by water firms when it’s not needed, polluting England’s waters more to the point where rowers in this year’s Oxford and Cambridge boat race have been warned not to go into the Thames. Customers could end up paying more too – as water companies in England and Wales want bills to increase to fund the necessary infrastructure upgrades. On this edition of the Sky News Daily, Leah Boleto is joined by climate reporter Victoria Seabrook and business correspondent Paul Kelso to explain how England’s rivers and seas have got to this state and what this could mean for our water bills. Producer: Alex Edden Assistant producer: Iona Brunker Senior podcast producer: Annie Joyce Editor: Paul Stanworth

In the early hours of Tuesday morning, a cargo ship leaving the US city of Baltimore catastrophically struck a major bridge. The entire middle section of the 1.6-mile-long Francis Scott Key Bridge collapsed into the Patapsco River. The ship lost power as it left the port, but the crew had enough time to make a mayday call so officials on the bridge were able to shut it to most traffic. Two people were rescued from the water but several people are still missing. There are now questions about how such a large vessel lost control and how the huge structure of the bridge crumbled so quickly. On today's edition of the Sky News Daily, Leah Boleto speaks to our US Correspondent Martha Kelner in Baltimore and our Science Correspondent Thomas More. Plus, Ben Schafer, a structural engineer at Baltimore's Johns Hopkins University explains why the bridge fell so quickly. Senior producer: Annie Joyce Assistant producer: Iona Brunker Editor: Wendy Parker

Four men have been charged with carrying out an attack at a concert in Moscow on Friday that killed more than 130 people. They all appeared in court on Monday heavily bruised with swollen faces and black eyes – with one attending in a wheelchair wearing a hospital gown. The Islamic State group said it carried out the attack on the Crocus City Hall, but President Putin has insisted Ukraine was involved. President Zelenskyy has strongly denied the claims and hit out at the Russian leader and others in Moscow, describing them as “scum”. Questions are now mounting for President Putin as it emerged the US government warned Russia two weeks ago that an attack by extremists on “large gatherings including concerts” was imminent. On this edition of the Sky News Daily, Leah Boleto is joined by international affairs editor Dominic Waghorn and international correspondent in Moscow Diana Magnay to discuss the mood in the Russian capital and how President Putin could react.Producer: Alex Edden Assistant producer: Iona Brunker Editor: Paul Stanworth

The US has called for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza for the first time as secretary of state Antony Blinken lands in Tel Aviv for talks with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. An American-sponsored resolution demanding a truce was rejected by the UN Security Council. The US policy change comes amid fears the Palestinian territory could be on the brink of famine. On the Daily, Niall Paterson talks to our Middle East correspondent Alistair Bunkall about how much US support for Israel is wavering. Plus, Sky’s special correspondent Alex Crawford discusses the importance of being able to report freely from inside Gaza - something she and other foreign journalists have been unable to do since Hamas's attack on southern Israel on 7 October. The war has meant images and information from inside Gaza have mostly come from a few Palestinian journalists in the territory. Foreign journalists can only report in Gaza while accompanied by Israeli authorities, who say it is for safety reasons. Senior producer: Annie Joyce Producer: Alex Edden and Sydney Pead Assistant producer: Iona Brunker Editor: Wendy Parker

The Princess of Wales has issued a personal message revealing that she has been diagnosed with cancerfollowing her abdominal surgery earlier this year and that she is undergoing preventative chemotherapy.The news comes after many weeks of speculation about the health of the 42-year-old future queen, who has not been seen on official duties since Christmas.On the Sky News Daily, Jonathan Samuels is joined by our Royal Correspondent, Rhiannon Mills to discuss how this news will impact the Royal Family and when we can expect to see Catherine resume full duties.Producer: Rosie GillottEditor: Wendy Parker